2025 Nissan Murano vs 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Nissan Murano captivates with its distinctly sculpted design and approachable MSRP of $40,470, offering 241 hp from its V6 engine paired with a smooth 9-speed automatic transmission. In sharp contrast, the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid immediately grabs attention with its superior efficiency, boasting an incredible 34 combined MPG, which crushes the Murano's 23 combined MPG figure, despite a higher initial cost of $44,710. While the Murano is more agile at 192.9 inches long, the larger Toyota provides standard All-Wheel Drive and an extra 4 horsepower at 245 hp. The efficiency gap is the primary story here: the Grand Highlander Hybrid saves owners significant running costs over the Murano, whose FWD setup prioritizes traditional crossover dynamics over fuel savings.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
The Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid's 34 combined MPG drastically reduces weekly running costs for daily drivers compared to the Murano's 23 MPG.
2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
The Grand Highlander Hybrid offers more stature with a 72.1-inch height and standard AWD, appealing to families needing secure, roomy transport.
2025 Nissan Murano
The Murano's traditional 9-speed automatic transmission offers a more engaging driving feel than the Grand Highlander Hybrid's CVT.
2025 Nissan Murano
Despite having $4,240 less performance capability on paper, the Murano's significantly lower entry price makes it the better upfront value proposition.
Choose the Nissan Murano if...
- You want to save $4,240 upfront, as the Murano starts at $40,470 compared to the hybrid's $44,710.
- You prefer the responsiveness of a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a CVT.
- You value a slightly more maneuverable vehicle footprint (192.9 inches in length).
Choose the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid if...
- Fuel economy is paramount, given the Grand Highlander Hybrid’s dominant 34 combined MPG rating.
- You require the added security and traction provided by standard All-Wheel Drive.
- You need maximum interior vertical space, evidenced by the Toyota's 72.1-inch height.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Nissan Murano | Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 192.9" | 201.4" |
| Width | 78.0" | 78.3" |
| Height | 67.9" | 72.1" |
| Wheelbase | 111.2" | 116.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Nissan | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | — |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | — |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Fixed Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Nissan | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | hybrid |
| Horsepower | 241 hp @ 5600 rpm | 245 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 260 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm | — |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Nissan | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 9-speed shiftable automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Nissan | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 21/27 MPG | 36/32 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 23 MPG | 34 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 392.7/504.9 mi. | 619.2/550.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.7 gal. | 17.2 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Nissan | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Nissan | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
Power Feature
| Feature | Nissan | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Nissan | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 41.1 in. | 41.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 44.3 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 60.8 in. | 60.2 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 56.9 in. | 56.5 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 6-way | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Nissan | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.7 in. | 40.2 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.3 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.5 in. | 58.8 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 56.9 in. | 57.0 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Nissan | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Cover Type | Full | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 20 in. | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P255/55R20 | 255/65R18 |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | — | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Nissan | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Nissan | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 2 yr./ 24000 mi. | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 8 yr./ 100000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Nissan Murano and 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid.
How much more fuel-efficient is the Grand Highlander Hybrid than the Murano?
The Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid is significantly more efficient, achieving 34 combined MPG versus the Nissan Murano's 23 combined MPG. This results in an impressive 11 MPG advantage for the Toyota on mixed driving cycles.
Which vehicle offers more raw power for passing maneuvers?
The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid technically produces slightly more power, registering 245 hp compared to the 2025 Nissan Murano's 241 hp. Both use regular unleaded fuel.
Is the Nissan Murano significantly smaller than the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid?
Yes, the Murano is substantially smaller, measuring 192.9 inches long while the Grand Highlander stretches to 201.4 inches. The Toyota is also considerably taller at 72.1 inches versus the Murano's 67.9 inches.
Why does the Nissan Murano cost $4,240 less than the Toyota Hybrid?
The primary difference accounting for the $4,240 MSRP gap is the Toyota's advanced hybrid powertrain technology and standard All-Wheel Drive system. The Murano uses a conventional FWD setup.
Which crossover provides better hauling capacity?
Despite its focus on efficiency, the Nissan Murano offers greater measurable cargo space with 32.9 cubic feet available behind the second row, compared to the Grand Highlander Hybrid's 20.6 cubic feet.
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